Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Arrival in Cusco airport – you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit on smooth stone bases laid centuries before the conquistadors, and colorfully dressed peasants (rural farmers in Peru) bustle from one side to another in the squares. In the afternoon, you will explore the largest open-air market in Cusco and the adjacent Witches’ Market. After trying some unique local foods, visit the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region’s weaving traditions. Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru’s most well-known art form. Overnight at Cusco hotel

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco’s varied and exciting nightlife where live folk music and excellent food abound! Overnight at Cusco hotel

This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your Peru trip and you will soon see why! You’ll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo where you relax for the night. Overnight in Ollantaytambo hotel/lodge

Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as you journey along their ancient trail to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Andean history comes to life along this special route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Notice how the scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. The Inca trail trek is made with pilgrims from all over the world, and your friendly crew of guides and porters will take great care of you along the way. This first day is relatively easy walking ~ 5-7 hours.
We take a bus from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 82 (9000 ft or 2750 m) where we begin the trek at about 10:00 AM. Hike the first 3 miles (5 km) along the south bank of the River Urubamba to our lunch spot, near the ruins of Llactapata (8692 ft or 2650 m).
After lunch, continue south along the river Cusichaca, climbing gently. Camp at Huayllabamba (9691 ft or 2954 m).
Overnight in camping zone

After a healthy breakfast we will begin to walk to the Warmihuañusca pass (4200 m / 13860 ft.). After a short time, we will reach the top of the pass. From this place, it is possible to see the other side of the way leading to Runkurakay ruins. At the end of a gorge, we will stop at a place called Pacaymayo (3600 m / 11181 ft.), our second camp. This is the most difficult day. After climbing Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s) pass on the morning of the second day, the rest of the hike is relatively easy.
Begin hiking circa 7:00 AM and hike about 5 1/2 hours to our lunch spot. The trail follows the River Llullucha, climbing steeply nearly 4000 feet (1200 m) through forests and plains to the highest point on the trek, Warmiwañusca pass, aka Dead Women’s pass at (13,776 ft or 4200m). Lunch is provided shortly after the pass. It’s another 1½ hours of easy walking to our camp at Pacaymayo (11,833 ft or 3607m), near to Runkuraqay, where we’ll cook dinner. Overnight in camping zone

On the third day, the trail climbs gently up two passes. We will depart from Pacaymayo and a while later a zigzagging, but short ascent will take us to the Runkurakay circular ruins. There is no sign of human life, only great forests and abrupt hills. After a good rest, we will start our way down and then we will clearly notice that the Inca Trail is well preserved from this point on. In a short while, we will get the steps which go up to Sayacmarca ruins (3620 m / 11946 ft). From Sayacmarca the stone road begins to go into the jungle, continuing our trek towards Phuyupatamarca ruins. The trail crosses the “LagoSeco” and for brief moments we will go up and down. We will then cross “The Tunnel”, a natural cavity produced by a landslide but adapted by the Incas. The Inca Trail well-traced borders continue on the hills full of moss and fern. After crossing a small pass, we will see some steep steps and under them the Ceremonial Center of Phuyupatamarca ruins (3650 m / 12045 ft), where we will set our camp. Overnight in camping zone

Our party descends 3,000 feet from the campsite at Phuyupatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. We will start early in the morning going down the trail hiking for 3 hours until reaching Wiñaywayna (2700 m / 8,856 ft), the main archaeological site after Machupicchu in the Inca Trail. We will visit the site, from where we can see the Urubamba valley and the river. The path goes down to WiñayWayna ruins (2650 m / 8745 ft), the most important ruins after Machu Picchu, heading then towards IntiPunku (2740 m / 9042 ft), the Gate of the Sun, our last pass. Tour the ruins and continue to the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) below the ruins. Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants or end your day soaking in the hot springs after exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world. Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to just walk among the vast expanse of ruins and listen to the spirits of the city’s past inhabitants. In the afternoon, you’ll return by train to Cusco with your guide. Overnight in Cusco

Transfer to Cusco Airport for your onward flight – or extend your stay in South America!